Climate change is fundamentally an issue of human rights and environmental justice that connects the local to the global. With rising temperatures, human lives—particularly in people of color, low-income, and Indigenous communities—are affected by compromised health, financial burdens, and social and cultural disruptions.  Those who are most affected and have the the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions—both globally and within the United States.

Climate Impacts map

Click on the map above to link to interactive map provided by  Center for Global Development showing global impacts of climate change.

 

People in low-income communities and developing countries who have lesser impact on the environment are often the ones most affected by the degradation we are seeing today. The Environmental Center strives to implement campaigns that educate the Boulder campus about environmental injustices and provide service opportunities for students, faculty and staff to help alleviate the burden place on people in these communities.

Man with mouth taped shut for climate change justice

For a better understanding of environmental justice issues, please visit the Environmental Justice page